|

Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the holidays, and nothing brings that warmth home quite like baking. This Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years—it’s the perfect blend of buttery, chocolatey goodness with a festive twist. Whenever the winter chill kicks in, these cookies fill the air with such an inviting aroma, it’s impossible not to feel that cozy holiday spirit.

I love how this recipe feels fancy enough for holiday parties but is super easy to whip up with just a few simple steps. If you’ve been hunting for a Christmas cookie that’s not too sweet but totally fun to decorate and share, you’re going to enjoy this Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe. Plus, it’s a great activity to do with kids or friends over a cup of hot cocoa!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe works together to create that tender texture and rich chocolate flavor. When shopping, I suggest using good quality cocoa powder and butter to get that deep, true chocolate taste that really shines through.

  • Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing and a tender crumb.
  • Granulated sugar: It adds the perfect touch of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
  • Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way to boost the chocolate flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their shape and chewy bite.
  • Cocoa powder: Unsweetened and rich, this is what gives the cookies their chocolatey depth.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out flavors.
  • White and/or dark candy melts: Perfect for dipping or drizzling and adding that festive flair.
  • Holiday sprinkles: I love colorful sprinkles to make the cookies feel extra special and merry.

Variations

I love to play around with this Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe depending on who I’m baking for or what I have on hand. It’s super forgiving and invites creativity—nothing is set in stone here!

  • Nutty Twist: Adding finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds right into the batter gives a lovely crunch that contrasts the soft cookie perfectly.
  • Minty Version: Swap out vanilla extract for peppermint extract – I tried this one year, and the cookies tasted like chilly Christmas magic!
  • Gluten-Free: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. The texture shifts slightly but still delivers that classic spritz cookie charm.
  • Double Chocolate Delight: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough before piping for little bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed. This step is key—it traps air which makes your cookies beautifully tender once baked. Don’t rush it, and scrape down the sides of your bowl halfway through to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 2: Adding the Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in the egg and pour in your vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined. The batter might look a bit glossy at this point, and that’s exactly what you’re aiming for. It means your mixture is perfectly emulsified and ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mixing in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, and salt to ensure even distribution. Then, gradually add this to your wet mixture on low speed. Be careful not to overmix here—you want the dough to come together but stay tender. If the dough feels too soft to pipe, pop it into the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up a bit.

Step 4: Piping and Baking

Fit your cookie press or piping bag with a decorative tip (I usually go for a classic star shape) and pipe cookie shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Keep your cookies spaced about 1-2 inches apart since they spread just a little but keep their shape nicely. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes—look for just a hint of firmness on the edges. Remember, they’ll firm up more as they cool!

Step 5: Decorating with Candy Melts and Sprinkles

Once your cookies are cool, melt your candy melts according to package instructions—usually in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well in between. Dip half of each cookie or drizzle the melts over the tops for a snowy, festive look. Then, immediately sprinkle on your holiday sprinkles. It’s best to work quickly here so the sprinkles stick before the candy sets.

How to Serve Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe

Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with classic red, green, and white sprinkles for that unmistakable Christmas vibe. Sometimes, I add tiny edible gold stars or a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic fresh snow. Honestly, even just leaving them plain with the chocolate dip looks irresistible—and lets the rich flavor shine through.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or peppermint hot chocolate. On occasion, I serve them alongside a small cheese board—yes, it sounds wild but the mild sharpness of sharp cheddar pairs surprisingly well with chocolate spritz cookies for a grown-up twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love arranging these cookies on a tiered platter surrounded by fresh pine sprigs and cranberries—super festive and inviting. Another idea I tried was packaging them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon; they make charming homemade gifts that friends really appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I recommend layering them with parchment between batches so the candy coating or sprinkles don’t stick together. This method keeps them fresh and festive-feeling for days!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead of your holiday baking, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Just shape and pipe the dough onto parchment-lined trays, freeze until solid, then transfer them to freezer bags. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen adding a minute or two to the baking time. This trick has saved me many holiday evenings!

Reheating

While these cookies are perfect at room temp, I sometimes warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Just watch closely so they don’t crisp up too much—soft and tender is the goal with spritz cookies.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a cookie press for this Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe?

    Absolutely! A cookie press works wonderfully here and is actually the traditional way to shape spritz cookies. Just make sure your dough isn’t too warm or soft, or it might be hard to press. Chill it briefly if needed to get nice, clean shapes.

  2. What’s the best way to melt candy melts without burning them?

    I find the microwave method easiest—heat for 30 seconds, stir well, then repeat in short bursts stirring in between. Using a double boiler works too if you prefer. The key is low and slow to avoid burning or clumping.

  3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

    Definitely! You can bake and decorate them a few days before, then store them airtight at room temperature. If you want longer freshness, freezing the baked cookies after decorating is also an option.

  4. What if I don’t have cocoa powder—can I make a vanilla version?

    Yes! Simply omit the cocoa powder and add a little more flour to keep the dough consistency. You’ll get classic buttery spritz cookies that are just as festive when decorated with candy melts and sprinkles.

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions because it’s not just about the cookies, but the joyful memories that come with making them. Whether you’re new to spritz cookies or a seasoned baker, these chocolatey delights are sure to brighten up your festive season. So grab your mixer, get cozy, and enjoy every sweet moment!

Print

Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe

Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies are festive, buttery, and chocolate-flavored spritz cookies decorated with melted candy coating and colorful holiday sprinkles. These tender, rich cookies combine the classic buttery spritz cookie texture with the warm addition of cocoa powder, making them perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Decoration

  • 10 ounces white and/or dark candy melts
  • 3/4 cup holiday sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  2. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fit a cookie press or spritz cookie press with your preferred disk shape. Fill the press with the chocolate dough and press cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  3. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Melt the Candy Coating: While the cookies are cooling, melt the candy melts according to package instructions, either in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts or using a double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth.
  5. Decorate the Cookies: Dip each cooled cookie into the melted candy coating or drizzle the candy melts over the cookies. Immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles before the candy melts harden to add a festive touch.
  6. Set and Serve: Place the decorated cookies on parchment paper or a wire rack to allow the candy melts to fully set. Once hardened, your Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies are ready to enjoy or package for gifting.

Notes

  • For best results, use room temperature butter for easier creaming and dough formation.
  • If you don’t have a cookie press, you can shape the dough into small balls and flatten slightly with a fork.
  • Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before decorating to prevent melting the candy coating.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • These cookies can be frozen after baking and decorating; just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate spritz cookies, spritz cookies, festive cookies, cocoa cookies, candy melts, holiday sprinkles

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating